In honor of the return of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, I decided to speak to one of the former costume designers; Marion Boyce is an award-winning costume designer who’s known for her outstanding work in movies such as "The Dressmaker" and many others.
I’ve always loved Miss Fisher’s outfits. They are always so fashionable, eccentric, and complement her perfectly. I often model a lot of my outfits after hers. So when I had a chance to speak with the women that designed them, I jumped at it. I wanted to know how she developed such a passion for vintage fashion and how she first came to love it.
Q: You seem to have such a passion for vintage fashion and fashion in general. At what point in your life do you think you really started to realize your passion for it?
A: “I truly do love textiles and fashion - especially vintage fashion. Designers truly knew how to make clothing shine back then. I spent my childhood rummaging through my great grandmother's trunk of lace and linen and playing in my mother's jewelry drawers. Looking back on my childhood, I think I spent a lot of time in my own fantasy land.”
Q: You said in an interview with Tara Moss that you didn't want to create your own line because you didn't want to follow trends. What would you say is the difference between vintage fashion and fashion today and why do you tend to lean more towards vintage fashion?
A: “My favorite place to be is in the workroom. Watching a garment being assembled and doing hand work - I tend to do vintage shows, as you have more opportunity to create. I also very much enjoy high end fashion pieces.”
Q: Are there any stars or designers from the past that you take inspiration from?
A: “Balenciaga, Lanvin, Vionnet, Halston, Madame Gres, and
Alexander McQueen.”
Q: At what point in your life did you start collecting vintage fashion? And what is the first ever piece that you have ever collected?
A: “I cannot remember a time when I was not collecting. Even as a small child, I remember collecting “treasures.” I currently have a show “The bowerbird and the bride” that has a lot of my treasures that I have been collecting for years - not only frocks, but accessories. I have many favorites.”
Q: You have a vast collection of vintage clothing, which piece would you say is your favorite and most treasured piece from it and why?
A: “A hand embroidered hank chief from WW2 bride made with love and given to her war groom to wear in his pocket next to his heart. The collection has been put together as an ode to vintage dressmakers. I am in awe of their skills.”
Q: Are there any future projects that we can look forward to?
A: “The gloaming is my most recent release. It comes out on January 1st.”